A second DUI charge in California isn’t just another mistake. The penalties are harsher, and the legal system can feel stacked against you. You may be worried about losing your driver’s license, spending time in jail, or paying steep fines.
If you’re facing these challenges, a West Covina second offense DUI lawyer will fight the charges and work toward the best possible outcome. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you to an attorney who can explain what’s at stake in your personal and professional life.
An experienced West Covina DUI lawyer will develop a defense strategy for your situation. They will challenge evidence and even file an appeal if necessary. To review your legal options and next steps, call today for a free consultation.
California DUI Laws: What You Need to Know
Under California Vehicle Code § 23152, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for most drivers. However, California has stricter limits for certain groups:
- Commercial drivers cannot have a BAC of 0.04% or higher while operating a commercial vehicle.
- Drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance policy, meaning a BAC of 0.01% or higher can result in DUI penalties.
- Drivers on probation for a prior DUI also must not exceed 0.01% BAC.
A second DUI within 10 years carries more severe penalties than a first offense. The law also applies to driving under the influence of drugs.
If convicted of a second DUI, you may face:
- A mandatory minimum of 96 hours in jail, with a maximum of one year.
- Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000, plus additional penalty assessments.
- A two-year driver’s license suspension.
- A mandatory 18- to 30-month DUI education program.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for up to one year.
The consequences can be life-altering, but a West Covina second offense DUI attorney will explore possible defenses and work toward reduced penalties or even case dismissal.
A Second Offense DUI Offense Attorney in West Covina Can Lead Your Case
Facing a second DUI charge is serious, but you are not out of options. A DUI defense lawyer in West Covina can help you by:
Challenging the Evidence
A strong DUI defense starts by questioning the evidence. Your lawyer will check if the police had a legal reason to stop you. If they didn’t, the case against you may weaken. They will also look at how the officer gave you the field sobriety tests.
If the officer made mistakes, the results might not be reliable. Your lawyer will also check the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test. If the test was not done correctly, the results could be wrong.
Finally, they will make sure law enforcement followed all the right steps. If any rules were broken, your lawyer may get evidence thrown out or even have your charges dropped.
Negotiating for Reduced Charges
If your case cannot be dismissed, your lawyer can work toward getting your charges reduced. One option is negotiating for a lesser charge, like “wet reckless,” which has lighter penalties than a DUI.
Your lawyer might also push for alternative sentencing, such as alcohol treatment programs, instead of jail time. Even if a conviction happens, they can argue for lower fines and a lighter sentence to help you move forward with your life.
Representing You in Court and Hearings
A DUI case involves different legal steps, and your lawyer will guide you through them all. They will fight for you in court, question witnesses, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. They will also represent you at your DMV hearing, where they can argue to keep your driver’s license.
If your case does not end in your favor, your attorney can file an appeal to challenge any mistakes or unfair treatment.
Guiding You Through the DUI Process
California’s DUI laws can be challenging to understand, but an attorney will explain what they mean for your case. They also will explain your rights, the possible penalties, and the best steps to take for your situation.
An attorney will also handle court dates, legal paperwork, and other requirements after your arrest. If you must attend a DUI program, they will help you understand what you need to do to get your license back.
If you are ready to start on your case, call Los Angeles DUI Attorney for a free consultation.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Second DUI Offense?
You don’t have to wait until you’re formally charged to secure legal representation. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense.
If you want to fight the suspension of your driver’s license, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing—missing this deadline means an automatic suspension.
You should reach out to a lawyer for a second DUI offense in West Covina if:
- You have been arrested for a second incident involving driving under the influence.
- You are under investigation for drunk driving.
- Law enforcement has contacted you for questioning about a DUI-related incident.
The earlier an attorney gets involved, the more options you may have for reducing or dismissing the charges.
Defenses for a Second DUI Charge in West Covina, CA
Being charged with a second DUI does not mean you are automatically guilty. A strong defense can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and, in some cases, get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Common defenses a DUI attorney handling cases in West Covina may use in your case can include any of the following:
Challenging DUI Test Results
Breathalyzer and blood tests are not always accurate. Medical conditions, such as acid reflux, diabetes, or certain diets (like keto), can produce false positives on a breathalyzer test.
Additionally, improper calibration or maintenance of testing equipment can lead to inaccurate results. Your attorney can review the test procedures and challenge any issues that may have affected the accuracy of your BAC reading.
Errors in Police Reports or Video Evidence
Police officers must follow strict procedures when conducting a DUI stop, field sobriety tests, and arrests. If an officer failed to follow proper protocol, their report may contain errors that could weaken the case against you.
Additionally, dashcam or bodycam footage may reveal inconsistencies between what actually happened and what was written in the report. If the footage shows that field sobriety tests were not given correctly or your rights were violated, your lawyer may be able to have key evidence thrown out.
The Rising BAC Defense
Alcohol takes time to absorb into your bloodstream. If you had a drink shortly before driving, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) might have been below the legal limit while you were behind the wheel but continued to rise by the time you were tested.
This is known as the rising BAC defense. Your lawyer may use this argument to show that while you were legally sober when driving, the breath or blood test taken later gave a misleadingly high result.
Each DUI case is different, and the right defense depends on the specific details of your arrest. A lawyer will analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a defense strategy that can help you avoid a harsh conviction.
Get Help From a Lawyer for a Second DUI Offense in West Covina Today
A second DUI offense can put your future at risk, but you don’t have to take on this fight alone. Working with an attorney can help you avoid the harshest consequences in your case, and you deserve to protect your future.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer will put you in touch with second offense DUI lawyers in West Covina who will protect your rights and work toward the best outcome possible. Call today for a free consultation, and let’s start building your defense.
